Explore Australia

Shelly Beach A superb spot for the whole family. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the waves all year-round and humpback whales migrate through these waters June–July and Sept–Oct. The beach itself has rockpools, a wading pool for toddlers and a beachside cafe. Off Shelly Beach Rd.Naval and Maritime Museum: features a restored Las Balsas Expedition raft that sailed from South America in 1973; Regatta Ave; (02) 6681 1002. Kerry Saxby Walkway: from behind the visitor centre to the river mouth with great river and ocean views. The Big Prawn: art and craft and fresh seafood; Pacific Hwy. Richmond Princess and Bennelong: river cruises; bookings at visitor centre. Shaws Bay: swimming and picnic area; off Compton Dr. Ballina Water Slide: River St.

Lennox Head A beachside town with a good market on the 2nd and 5th Sun each month on the shores of Lake Ainsworth (also a popular spot for windsurfing). The lake has been nicknamed the Coca-Cola lake due to coloration from surrounding tea trees. Pat Morton Lookout affords excellent views along the coast, with whale-watching June–July and Sept–Oct. Below is The Point, a world-renowned surf beach. The outskirts of town offer scenic rainforest walks. 10 km N.Thursday Plantation: tea-tree plantation with product sales and maze; (02) 6620 5150; 3 km W. Macadamia Castle: features macadamia products, industry displays, minigolf and children's wildlife park; (02) 6687 8432; 15 km N. Whale-watching: bookings at visitor centre.

Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 52 km

Angling is a buzz when you are into a hot bite. It is also a buzz when discovering new territory or out hooking with other anglers, observing their methods and techniques on their home waters. So it was when I fished... Find out more

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Coffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 165 km

My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out more

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Lake Wivenhoe 196 km

Impoundment fishing for native species in southern Queensland has enjoyed phenomenal growth and it all began at Lake Wivenhoe. Situated about 80 km west of Brisbane on the Brisbane Valley Highway, Wivenhoe has a surface... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 228 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Mooloolaba 245 km

It’s 6am on the Mooloolaba waterfront behind Kawana Waters Hotel. The temperature is mild enough to be wearing shorts and a shirt. All is quiet amid the moored boats except for the eager anglers sitting around the... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling around Byron Bay 25 km

Although there is not much in the way of shore dives or snorkelling around Byron Bay, the nearby Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is a top spot if you can get on a boat, with sea turtles, eagle rays, corals, grey nurse and... Find out more

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Tamborine Mountain Distillery 110 km

There is a multitude of chemical-free schnapps, gins and vodkas to try here, many of which come from the fruits grown on the farm. Try lemon myrtle vodka, the multifaceted choc’n’chili liqueur, forest... Find out more

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Rock climbing around Brisbane 162 km

Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point is perhaps the friendliest city rock-climbing spot in the country, with views over the Brisbane River, a range of climbs for absolute beginners and upwards, and established anchor points... Find out more

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Cycling and mountain-biking around Brisbane 163 km

Brisbane has a growing network of great cycling trails and some excellent rides for tourists – a five-to-20-kilometre ride along the shores of the Brisbane River comes highly recommended. There is also a great ride... Find out more

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Westlander 163 km

Take the overnight train ride from Brisbane to Charleville or Quilpie, travelling over the Great Dividing Range and through some of Queensland’s rich farming areas.... Find out more

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Cycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 165 km

A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out more

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Mount Coot-tha Forest 165 km

The largest natural area in Brisbane, this 1500 hectares of open eucalypt forest holds more than 18 kilometres of walking tracks, 12 kilometres of mountain-biking tracks and a further 31 kilometres of multi-use tracks.... Find out more

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Bush-tucker tasting - Macksville 214 km

Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Port Macquarie to Lismore 238 km

There are a couple of top birdwatching spots in the New England area. One of the most spectacular is an all-weather bird hide among masses of waterbirds at Quipolly Dam, about 18 kilometres north-east of Quirindi. Mother... Find out more

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Cycling the Sunshine Coast and hinterland 244 km

Join a half-day or longer guided bike tour with Bicycle Tours of Queensland, particularly the popular Sunshine Coast ride or Maleny to Glass House Mountains. A back-up bus is included if it all gets too much.... Find out more

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The Glades Golf & Spa 89 km

Ask Greg Norman’s former chief designer Bob Harrison to name one course that makes him feel proud when he sees the final result, and chances are he’ll say The Glades. Upon joining the Gold Coast golfing... Find out more

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Lakelands Golf Club 93 km

As a player, Jack Nicklaus was a regular visitor to Australia for more than two decades. He won six Australian Opens and inspired a generation of young Australians to take up golf. When his playing career began... Find out more

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The Grand Golf Club 97 km

Think of the Gold Coast and flashing images spring to mind: beaches, theme parks, high-rise apartments, hordes of tourists. The Gold Coast hinterland has none of these, and could be thousands of miles away. The... Find out more

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The Links, Hope Island 112 km

When Hope Island opened for play in 1993 it was a unique addition to Australia’s golfing landscape. Here was a links-style layout seemingly uprooted from Scotland and transplanted on to the sunny northern... Find out more

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Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club (Pines course) 112 km

Sanctuary Cove’s Pines layout, designed by Arnold Palmer, has reigned for more than two decades as one of the Gold Coast’s best courses. At various stages during that time it has also ranked among the... Find out more

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Brookwater Golf & Country Club 149 km

Brookwater opened to considerable fanfare in 2002, with many observers quick to draw comparisons with Augusta National, venerable home of the US Masters. The varied terrain, inventive bunkering and undulating putting... Find out more

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Royal Queensland Golf Club 165 km

Of all the golf courses in this book, Royal Queensland has undergone the most dramatic changes in recent years. Originally opened in 1920, on reclaimed mangrove swampland on the north bank of the Brisbane River, ... Find out more

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Bonville Golf Resort 174 km

Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out more

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North Lakes Resort Golf Club 190 km

Good course designers have tricks up their sleeves when it comes to spurring golfers to rise to the challenge. They can visually intimidate you with large schemes of bunkers or water hazards encroaching on the best... Find out more

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Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club 207 km

Challenging the best players without alienating casual and beginner golfers is the fine line every course designer treads in coming up with a new creation. One designer who does it better than most is Ross Watson. His... Find out more

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Ballina Manor Boutique 
Hotel

This heritage-listed Edwardian boutique hotel treats guests to modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Indulge in the eight-course degustation or choose from the extensive à la carte menu, with dishes... Find out more

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Pelican 181

Views of the Richmond River don’t get much better than the vista from Pelican 181’s relaxed dining area. There are pleasant eating areas outside under large umbrellas from which you can kick back and watch... Find out more

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Sandbar and Restaurant

Chef Nicolas Gomez Duran may describe Sandbar and Restaurant as ‘a glorified shack’, but it wows diners with its modern interior and excellent European cuisine. Duran’s Spanish heritage is evident in... Find out more

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Mondo Organics, West End 162 km

Australia’s first organic restaurant when it opened in 2000, Mondo Organics serves a range of organic meats, including beef, chicken, duck and lamb, and the fish is chosen for the sustainability of the catch. The... Find out more

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Stone and Wood Brewing 26 km

The popular coastal holiday destination of Byron Bay is the location for one of the country’s newest and most exciting craft breweries – Stone & Wood. The partners behind the venture include a trio of... Find out more

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Burleigh Brewing Company 86 km

Queensland has generally suffered from a dearth of craft breweries so the Burleigh Brewing Company is a welcome and relatively recent addition. Co-owner/brewer Brennan Fielding boasts considerable experience as a... Find out more

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Mt Tamborine Brewery 110 km

As we went to press, one of Queensland’s more ambitious craft-brewing operations was about to come to fruition at Mount Tamborine, in the Gold Coast hinterland. The 24-hectolitre microbrewery is the original plant... Find out more

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Foster's Group (Yatala Brewery) 127 km

This brewery site, located at Yatala, midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, was established by the Power Brewing Company, which launched Powers Bitter in 1988. Four years later a joint venture between Powers and... Find out more

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Castlemaine Perkins (Fourex) Brewery 164 km

The pages of Australian brewing history are littered with take-overs and acquisitions, and while Castlemaine Perkins sounds like a merger, it was, in reality, yet another buy-out. As the name suggests, the Castlemaine... Find out more

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Sunshine Coast Brewery 249 km

Queensland’s longest-running microbrewery has been operating from an industrial estate on the outskirts of Maroochydore since 1998. It was established by Jim Robinson and Queensland craft-beer pioneer Graham Howard... Find out more

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Flat Rock Holiday Park 4 km

This is a simple camping spot 4 km north-east of Ballina on the Coast Rd (Lennox Head Rd) but it’s quiet and protected despite being within 3 minutes’ walk to Angels Beach. With Ballina and Lennox Head close... Find out more

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Broken Head Holiday Park 18 km

Villas, cabins, and powered and unpowered sites are all available at this beachfront haven at Broken Head, 7 km south of Byron Bay. Tucked in right next to the nature reserve, the holiday park also offers laundry... Find out more

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Rummery Park camping area 34 km

From this roomy, friendly camping area you can take a short walk following Boggy Creek to the beautiful Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. Other activities include birdwatching and car touring. To get here, turn off... Find out more

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Massey Greene Holiday Park 36 km

This is in a top location, right on the Brunswick River and minutes away from Brunswick Heads town centre. The river offers swimming, fishing, snorkelling and boating, and there’s a surf beach only 10... Find out more

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Black Rocks camping area 47 km

Black Rocks is on Ten Mile Beach, via unsealed Gap Rd, 5 km south of Woodburn. There are concrete bunkers from World War II here – a section in the north of the park is still used by the military for target... Find out more

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Mount Warning Holiday Park 58 km

Surround yourself with lush and up-tempo rainforest and mountain streams in this verdant mid-north-coast holiday park at the foot of Mt Warning. Accommodation options include deluxe, ensuite and budget cabins, and... Find out more

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Woody Head camping area 59 km

Surrounded by remnant subtropical rainforest, Woody Head is the larger of the park’s 2 camping areas with more than 100 sites, 4 cabins, hot showers, a kiosk and a boat launch. Fishing, swimming, snorkelling and... Find out more

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Cutters Camp camping area 59 km

You’ll find Cutters Camp where Mebbin Forest and Caddell roads meet. Unsealed Mebbin Forest Rd is a 35 km scenic route with wonderful views of the region’s volcanic, forest-clad landscape; you’ll need a... Find out more

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Forest Tops camping area 72 km

If you enter the national park along Tweed Range Scenic Dr, 30 km north of Kyogle you’ll see signposted access for this camping area. The medium-difficulty 10.5 km Booyong Walk (5 hours one way) sets out from here... Find out more

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Sheepstation Creek camping area 73 km

With 40 camping sites, this sizeable camping area is just off Tweed Range Scenic Dr, 31 km north of Kyogle. The easy Rosewood Loop (6 km, 3 hours) and Palm Forest Walk (2 km, 1 hour) begin here: the former will take you... Find out more

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BIG4 Ballina Central Holiday Park 1 km

This park is across the road from the water, at the end of the main street and just walking distance from the shops. The park has good amenities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out more

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South Ballina Beach Holiday Park 2 km

This is a very neat park on the south side of the Richmond River. It is in a quiet area and is one of the few parks along this stretch of coast where pets are permitted (except in Christmas and Easter holidays). Bookings... Find out more

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Ballina Headlands Leisure Park 6 km

On a popular holiday coast, this park is about 500 metres from the water and 9 km north-east of Ballina off the Beach Road. It is a good base when visiting the area and has a heated pool for winter months. Bookings are... Find out more

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Lake Ainsworth Holiday Park 9 km

Located alongside Lake Ainsworth and across the road from the beach, this is a basic park in a great position. The surf club is nearby and the popular beach is great for swimming or walking. This is a council park on an... Find out more

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Broken Head Holiday Park 18 km

This stretch of coast is a busy holiday area. The park is located on the beach and has good facilities, and popular Byron Bay is 8.5 km north. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies in... Find out more

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Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park 20 km

A popular beachside holiday park that is busy year-round, this place has good facilities and is 6 km south of Byron Bay. It is close to some popular surfing and swimming beaches. Bookings are required in peak periods and... Find out more

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Glen Villa Resort 24 km

This is a high quality park with good facilities, about 400 metres from the town centre. It has the unusual policy of permitting just two people per site. No bookings are taken, and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out more

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First Sun Holiday Park 25 km

Every now and then we discover a park in a fabulous position. This place is on the beach at Byron Bay, within walking distance of the town centre, the restaurants and the nightlife. The park is busy year-round and is... Find out more

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Silver Sands Holiday Park 31 km

This is a huge beachside park with good facilities just a short walk from the centre of town. It has many permanent holiday vans and is a very popular holiday spot for people from the nearby inland towns. Bookings are... Find out more

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Terrace Reserve Holiday Park 36 km

Close to the centre of Brunswick Heads, this is a good quality park on the water and ideal for a holiday or just a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and... Find out more

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Ballina Beach Resort

Ballina Beach Resort is Ballina’s sole beachfront hotel, set on just over a hectare of tropical gardens. Location is everything and the major attraction for guests coming to stay at this resort just a stone’s... Find out more

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Ballina Manor Boutique 
Hotel

Escape to this multi-award-winning, heritage-listed manor on Ballina Island. There are 12 luxurious guest suites to choose from, fine dining in a fully licensed à la carte restaurant and a variety of activities,... Find out more

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Emerald Valley Villa 30 km

Nestled in the hinterland some 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay, this is way up the high end of ecotourism in this country. You can rent your own five-star palace (they call it a villa), complete with pool, courtyard,... Find out more

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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 73 km

Located near Murwillumbah and surrounded on three sides by World Heritage–listed national parks, this secluded couples-only resort on the Queensland border has minimal-impact, self-contained bungalows and cabins.... Find out more

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Cottages on the Creek 74 km

This 2-hectare establishment is managed as a Land for Wildlife property and the two, onebedroom spa cottages have composting toilets, protecting Currumbin Creek with its turtles, catfish, platypus and yabbies.... Find out more

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The Mouses House, Springbrook 76 km

Set in a beautiful rainforest at more than 800 metres above sea level, this luxury resort has 11 self-contained chalets, hot tub, sauna, tennis court and bikes, a sensible environmental policy and eco-accreditation. It... Find out more

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Destiny Boonah 127 km

Set on 80 hectares of Land for Wildlife property, this self-contained three-bedroom cottage is solar- and wind-powered. You are encouraged to bring a mountain bike or go bushwalking on the property, which is located near... Find out more

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Brisbane Marriott Hotel 164 km

By no means the greenest accommodation in this book, the Marriott still deserves inclusion as one of the better options in large hotels. It gained the Green Globe Benchmarked Bronze status and is AAA-rated for its water-... Find out more

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Lily Pily Country House, Bellingen 191 km

The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out more

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Glass House Mountains Eco-Lodge 224 km

The simple, down-market rooms here include the use of old train carriages for a communal kitchen and group area. An old church has also been recycled, and all greywater and blackwater is used on site to irrigate the... Find out more

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Coolgardie Rest Area 12 km

89 km N of Tyndale (L) or 14 km S of Ballina (L) Large areas just off the highway on both sides. Limited shade. GPS: S28 56.104 E153 28.307 ... Find out more

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Tyagarah Rest Area 30 km

38 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 35.902 E153 32.663   ... Find out more

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Woodburn Park Area 32 km

Middle of town Parking area on the highway beside the river. Good facilities. GPS: S29 04.297 E153 20.575 ... Find out more

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Tuckombil Road Rest Area 34 km

40 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 06.209 E153 20.400 ... Find out more

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New Italy Rest Area 41 km

56 km N of Tyndale (L) or 47 km S of Ballina (R) Large shady area adjacent to the highway near the museum and cafe. GPS: S29 09.205 E153 17.930... Find out more

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Yelgun Rest Area 42 km

50 km N of Ballina (R) or 42 km S of Tweed Heads (L) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S28 29.489 E153 31.356   ... Find out more

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Sleepy Hollow Rest Area 49 km

61 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S28 25.457 E153 31.220 ... Find out more

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Tabbimoble Creek Rest Area 58 km

65 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S29 16.940 E153 12.911... Find out more

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Maclean Park Area 76 km

At Ferry Park Small area on the riverbank just off the highway. GPS: S29 28.366 E153 12.318... Find out more

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McPhillips Creek Rest Area 112 km

50 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 10 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 44.599 E152 59.460   ... Find out more

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Glenugie Creek Rest Area 115 km

45 km N of Woolgoolga (L) or 15 km S of Grafton (R) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.091 E153 00.522   ... Find out more

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Mann River Rest Area 126 km

115 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 45 km W of Grafton (L) Small area with good views over the Mann River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.652 E152 33.417... Find out more

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Halfway Creek Rest Area 127 km

28 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 32 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway near the roadhouse. GPS: S29 56.102 E153 05.709   ... Find out more

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Mulligans Hut Camp Area 138 km

T/O 69 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 91 km W of Grafton (L) Small secluded campground situated in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres south of the highway in Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Bellbird Camp Area 139 km

T/O 73 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 87 km W of Grafton (R) Small campground 4 kilometres north of the highway in a secluded bush setting deep in the forest of Washpool National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE:... Find out more

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Woolgoolga Rest Area 143 km

Middle of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S30 06.797 E153 11.436... Find out more

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Boundary Falls Camp Area 149 km

T/O 60 km E of Glen Innes (L) or 100 km W of Grafton (R) Small secluded campground 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest of Gibraltar Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. ... Find out more

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